Sports and Culture Minister Zizi Kodwa appeared at the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court in Palm Ridge, facing corruption charges amounting to nearly R1.7 million. photo by GCIS
Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Zizi Kodwa has resigned.
This after he appeared at the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court on charges of corruption on Wednesday morning.
Kodwa is accused together with businessman Jehan McKay regarding a tender-related scandal.
Sports and Culture Minister Zizi Kodwa appeared at the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court in Palm Ridge, facing corruption charges amounting to nearly R1.7 million.
He appeared alongside former EOH boss, Jehan Mackay, whose company allegedly scored R400 million in government contracts through his relationship with the minister.
It’s alleged that Kodwa influenced the awarding of the contracts during his time as African National Congress (ANC) spokesperson and member of the party’s national executive committee (NEC).
The state alleges that McKay paid Kodwa a bribe so that he (Kodwa ) would influence the outcome of a tender process in favour of a company owned by McKay.
Both McKay and Kodwa were released on R30 000 each and are expected to be back in court in 23 July 2024 regarding the matter.
A statement released by Litha Mpondwana on behalf of the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture reads as follows: “Mr Kodwa has resigned as Minister of the department and expresses his sincere appreciation to the President and the governing party for giving him the opportunity to serve the nation.”
The statement further reads that Kodwa expresses his gratitude to all staff members of the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture for having worked with him in serving the nation.
Meanwhile, Sizwe Ummah Nation (SUN) Party acknowledged the resignation of Mr Zizi Kodwa as the Minister of DC Sports, Arts and Culture,” said the party’s national spokesperson Phathiwe Ndleleni.
“The creative sector in South Africa remains one of the most overlooked and under-regulated industries despite numerous changes in leadership within this portfolio,” said Ndleleni.
“There has been a persistent lack of initiative to address the pressing needs of this sector,” said Ndleleni.
“Creatives in South Africa continue to operate without fundamental benefits such as provident funds and UIF, thus leaving them vulnerable and unsupported,” she said.
Ndleleni said it is imperative that the next person to be appointed to this critical position understands the unique challenges faced by artists and creatives and must also be committed to implementing meaningful regulations and protections to the creatives,” said Ndleleni.
“The Sizwe Ummah Nation Party urges the government to consider who the relevant and capable person is in driving the necessary reforms in the arts and culture industry to ensure the sustainability and prosperity of the creative industry,” she said.
Ndleleni said SUN Party remains hopeful that with the right leadership, the creative sector will receive the attention and regulation it deserves, ultimately benefitting the many talented individuals who contribute so significantly to our cultural and economic landscape,” she said.